Writing a poem for his great aunt’s retirement celebration is where Orville Walker Jr. discovered a passion that would ultimately shape the course of his life. What began as a single heartfelt piece became the foundation of a lasting artistic journey.

Born in Takoma Park and raised between Jamaica and Seat Pleasant, Orville has spent years using poetry as a vehicle for truth, reflection, and human connection. Although he had been writing for years, he officially began performing spoken word in Washington, D.C. in November 2009, quickly becoming known for his emotionally honest storytelling, commanding stage presence, and ability to connect deeply with audiences.

His work explores the realities of being an artist, the importance of consistency, and the challenge of remaining authentic in a constantly changing world. Over the years, Orville has shared his voice on numerous respected stages and platforms including The White House during President Obama’s final term, Howard Theatre, Busboys and Poets locations throughout the DMV, with the Washington Wizards in 2022, 2023, and 2024, the Kellogg’s Cereal Peace Conference, Howard University, West Virginia University, as well as countless colleges, youth organizations, and spoken word venues across the country.

In 2018, Orville released his spoken word/music project, The Soul of a Man Vol. 1, available on all major streaming platforms.

Beyond his work as an artist, Orville is also the founder, owner, and host of PurePoetryLive, one of North America’s premier spoken word platforms. This June, PurePoetryLive proudly celebrates 14 years of cultivating community, amplifying voices, and creating impactful experiences through the art of spoken word poetry.

Big Tony

Big Tony and Trouble Funk have been ambassadors of Washington, DC’s Go-Go music for more than 40 years, performing across the United States and internationally. Formed in 1978, the band became known for its energetic live performances, audience interaction, and signature grooves led by bassist and vocalist Big Tony Fisher.

Despite the loss of keyboard player Robert “Syke Dyke” Reed to pancreatic cancer in 2008, the band continued performing and remains a staple of the DC-area music scene. Audiences still enjoy both their classic hits and new music today.

Over the years, Big Tony and Trouble Funk have toured throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Japan, sharing stages with artists including Foo Fighters, James Brown, George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic, UB40, LL Cool J, and Elvis Costello.

The band has performed at prestigious venues and events, including the Kennedy Center’s “Taking the Stage” celebration for the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, attended by President Barack Obama and hosted by Oprah Winfrey. They have also appeared at Madison Square Garden, RFK Stadium, Cal Jam, Merriweather Post Pavilion, and Wolf Trap.

Big Tony and Trouble Funk released successful recordings through their own label as well as Sugar Hill Records, Sony UK, and Island Records. Their music has been sampled by artists such as Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Beastie Boys, and Public Enemy, earning recognition from the Hip Hop Museum as one of the most sampled groups in music history.

Approaching 50 years in the music industry, Big Tony and Trouble Funk continue to perform and carry forward the legacy of Go-Go music.

Rhonda Henderson

Rhonda Henderson is a native Washingtonian, educator, cultural curator, and creative entrepreneur dedicated to preserving Black history, identity, and community through storytelling. She is the co-founder and Chief Programming Officer of The Dap Project, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that documents Black culture through oral histories, photography, multimedia exhibits, and community conversations. Alongside co-founder Aaron Stallworth, Henderson has helped transform the familiar gesture of the “dap” into a powerful exploration of Black joy, dignity, connection, and cultural memory.

Before launching The Dap Project, Henderson built a career in education, serving as a high school history teacher, school administrator, and educational leader. She is also the founder of 627 Strategies, a public speaking coaching firm that helps mission-driven leaders communicate with confidence and impact. A graduate of Columbia University, the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and the University of Virginia, Henderson continues to use storytelling as a tool for education, advocacy, and community preservation.

Eric E. Richardson

Eric E. Richardson is an accomplished producer, host, and media professional whose career has successfully bridged both sides of the camera. Equally comfortable in front of an audience or behind the scenes, Eric has produced and hosted content for YouTube, Washington Performing Arts, Howard University Television (WHUT-TV), and Howard University Radio.

Throughout his career, he has served as a dynamic emcee, interviewer, and event host for some of the region’s most celebrated cultural events and festivals. His hosting credits include performances and programs at Franklin Park, Songbyrd Music House, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Mars Arts D.C., and the nationally recognized Little Amal Walk Across America project, as well as numerous concerts, community celebrations, and signature events across the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.

Known for his engaging personality, deep connection to the community, and ability to connect audiences with artists, performers, and thought leaders, Eric brings energy, professionalism, and a passion for storytelling to every stage he appears on.

Jean-Keith Fagon

Jean-Keith Fagon is a Washington, DC publisher, DC writer, and longtime jazz critic whose work celebrates culture, community, and creative expression. As founder of Capital Community News which publishes the Hill Rag, East of the River, and Mid City DC newspapers and The Jazz Project columnist, he brings a deep respect for language, rhythm, storytelling, and artistic voices to Spoken Word to Go Go.

Dr. Rita D. Lewis

Dr. Rita D. Lewis is an actress, screenwriter, filmmaker, performance coach, digital strategist, and public affairs specialist with the DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME). A Washington, DC native and University of Maryland, College Park graduate (Terp for Life), she is passionate about amplifying authentic voices through storytelling across film, television, media, and live performance.

Her screen credits include Entitled (Amazon Prime), Hush (ALLBLK), and The Shop, an official selection of the Cannes Film Festival. She is the writer of the award-recognized short film The Check-In, which explores the emotional realities of returning citizens navigating the parole and judicial system and also a member of the Grammy recording academy DC Chapter. 

Dr. Lewis is honored to support and celebrate the artists who preserve, elevate, and advance the rich legacy and cultural impact of Go-Go music in Washington, DC.